Ocean temperatures over time estimated from planktonic foraminifera assemblages in core MD002361 located on the shelf edge off Western Australia. Estimates are provided for the sea-surface, 50m, 100m, and 150m

In recent years the term 'enhanced greenhouse effect' has become well known in modern society and yet aspects of this possible 'future climate' are poorly understood. The characteristics of the geological record provide a basis to understand this possible future climate through the examination of alternating glacial (cold) and interglacial (warm) stages. Understanding the variability of sea-surface temperature and biological processes in the water column provides insight into general circulation of present and paleo-ocean currents. At a core site off Western Australia (MD002361, 113.477166 E, 22.082 S) the highest annual SST estimate (Tmean) of 29.1oC ± 0.84oC was recorded during MIS 5, 1.6oC warmer than the modern recorded Tmean. Most interglacial periods were equivalent or warmer than present apart from Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 7. The most extreme glacial to interglacial transition was from the penultimate glacial period (MIS 6) to the last interglacial (MIS 5) with a temperature range of 8.7oC ± 0.84oC. The mixed layer is also thinner during interglacial periods compared to the glacial periods.